Designed for public safety and enterprise use, especially first responders and construction, is durable in harsh environments. The FirstNet Ready designation notes that the device has been tested and certified to operate on FirstNet and supports the band 14 spectrum. With a FirstNet subscriber identity module (SIM), public safety has access to the dedicated, physically separate FirstNet network core, which supports priority and pre-emption.

The phone is also certified nonincendive, Class I, Division 2 for plant and field operations needing durability and safety where concentrations of flammable gas, vapors or mists are not normally present in explosive concentrations but may exist. Loud dual front speakers and four noise cancelling mics make Enhanced Push-To-Talk (EPTT) calls clear regardless of background noise, the company said.

Enhanced security features include a biometric fingerprint sensor built into the power button and secure device encryption with Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS)-140-2.

“FirstNet devices go through extensive review, so first responders can be confident that Kyocera’s DuraForce PRO 2 meets our highest standards for reliability, security and performance,” said Bob Sloan, chief operating officer, FirstNet program at AT&T. “The more tools public safety has access to, to tap into the power of their network, the more we can help them achieve their mission.”

AT&T customers and FirstNet subscribers can purchase Kyocera’s new device for $15 per month on AT&T Next pricing for 30 months, $170 with a two-year commitment or $500. All payment options include the two-year manufacturer’s standard warranty.

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